Hastings Funeral Homes and Memorial Service Providers: A Community Profile
Introduction
Hastings, Minnesota has a rich tradition of community-focused funeral service dating back decades. Local funeral homes in Hastings have been run by family owners through generations, evolving to meet modern needs while retaining a friendly, compassionate approach. This report profiles the major funeral and memorial service providers in Hastings – their history, operations, and role in the community – and compares them to counterparts in nearby Red Wing, Cottage Grove, and Rosemount. We also examine economic impacts over the past five years (including the post-COVID period) and share insights from news, interviews, and community members. The tone throughout reflects the close-knit, caring spirit of “H-town,” highlighting how these providers support families in their time of need and contribute to the community.
Funeral Homes in Hastings: History and Operations
Wise Family Funeral & Cremation Services (Hastings)
History: The Wise Family Funeral Home in Hastings traces its roots to 1955, when local resident Donald “Don” Ellis (often credited as the original founder) opened a funeral home to serve the community. Don Ellis passed the business to his son, Tom, who ran it until 2001. In 2001, the Wise family – Michael and Mary Wise – purchased the funeral home, bringing it under the Wise Family name while honoring the legacy of the Ellis family. Michael Wise had begun his funeral service career around that time and has remained a key figure, later becoming general manager of the merged Hastings funeral operations (as discussed below). The funeral home’s location at 400 Spring Street (near downtown Hastings) became known as Wise Family Funeral & Cremation Services, continuing a tradition of local care.
Operations and Services: Wise Family Funeral Home built a reputation for compassionate, personalized service. As a full-service funeral provider, they offer traditional funerals, memorial services, cremation options, and pre-planning assistance. Being a smaller, family-run establishment, Wise Family emphasized personal attention – one review noted the staff was “excellent and professional... and VERY family friendly,” understanding the needs of local families. After the 2001 ownership change, the Wise family expanded services to include on-site visitations, coordination with churches, and modern memorial products (like video tributes and customized prayer cards). Pricing is in line with full-service offerings ($$$ on a three-tier scale), meaning they focus on complete funeral arrangements rather than low-cost cremation only. Over the years, the Wise Family Funeral Home became deeply involved in the community – staff are often lifelong Hastings residents, and the funeral directors maintain relationships with area clergy of all faiths.
Community Engagement: The Wise family has been active in Hastings community life. They have hosted grief support meetings and informational seminars, often in partnership with their fellow funeral professionals. For example, in October 2018 Wise Family Funeral Home teamed up with their Hastings colleagues to present a Senior Pre-Planning Seminar at the Hastings Senior Center. At this free community event, seniors were invited for breakfast or dinner and learned about elder law, funeral planning, and “starting the conversation” with loved ones. Such outreach reflects the funeral home’s philosophy that educating and supporting families before loss is as important as serving them after a loss. In addition, the Wise staff has supported local charities through memorial donation coordination – many obituaries handled by Wise Family include suggestions to donate to organizations like Hastings Family Service (the local food shelf and assistance charity) in honor of the deceased, helping channel community support to those causes. This kind of community-centric service has endeared the Wise Funeral Home to many Hastings residents.
Caturia-Smidt (& Starkson) Funeral Home & Crematory (Hastings)
History: The Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home is a Hastings institution with origins going back to the mid-20th century. It was founded by Clinton H. Caturia, who opened his funeral parlor in Hastings and served as funeral director for decades. Clinton Caturia, born in 1913, was a WWII-era generation entrepreneur; by 1960 he had established what would become Caturia Funeral Home. Over time, he took on a partner or protégé, Steven Smidt, and the business became Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home as a nod to both families. Clinton Caturia remained a revered figure – he was still known as the founder when he passed away at age 95 in 2008. His obituary proudly noted he was the “Founder of Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home”, underscoring the funeral home’s historical significance in Hastings. After Clinton’s retirement and passing, the torch was carried by the next generation: Clinton’s children (such as his son Bob Caturia) stayed involved, and Steven Smidt continued to operate the funeral home. In the 2000s, a young funeral director named Jesse Starkson joined the firm, eventually becoming a partner. By the late 2010s, the business was known as Caturia, Smidt & Starkson Funeral Home & Crematory, reflecting the three key family names. The funeral home was located at 201 East 7th Street, a stately building in downtown Hastings that had long been associated with funeral services. This building – a well-maintained historic structure – became a local landmark (it even went up for sale in recent years, described as “a historic staple of Hastings” when the business operations moved out).
Operations and Services: Caturia-Smidt & Starkson Funeral Home offered comprehensive funeral services much like Wise did, with an added distinction of operating an on-site crematory in later years. They prided themselves on personalized funerals and life celebrations, even before the term became popular. Under Jesse Starkson’s influence (and his wife Katie Starkson’s involvement), the funeral home embraced a modern approach to memorialization. The team provided traditional burial arrangements, but also supported creative personalization – for example, customizing visitation rooms with a loved one’s hobby memorabilia, or hosting “celebration of life” gatherings with memory displays. By 2018, Caturia-Smidt-Starkson had plans for expansion to better serve the community’s needs. Notably, they were developing a new facility with larger reception areas and updated amenities. Their services were community-oriented and family-focused, and pricing was comparable to other full-service providers ($$$ on the same scale).
One distinctive operational aspect was their early adoption of an on-site crematory. Many smaller-town funeral homes outsource cremation, but Caturia-Smidt & Starkson invested in their own cremation equipment. This allowed Hastings families to have their loved one’s cremation handled locally by the people they knew, rather than transported elsewhere. It was also an economic move: as cremation became more common (Minnesota’s cremation rate rose from 66% in 2018 to 72.7% by 2022), having an in-house crematory positioned the firm to meet demand. Indeed, co-owner Jesse Starkson noted that they were able to offer more affordable cremation options and keep those services in the Hastings area rather than sending business to Twin Cities crematories.
Community Engagement: Like Wise, the Caturia-Smidt-Starkson team has been very active in the community. The Starkson and Caturia families have long-standing relationships in Hastings – Bob Caturia (Clinton’s son) and Steve Smidt were well-known for their civic involvement. They, along with the Starksons, frequently support local church functions and veterans’ events. The funeral home has hosted annual Holiday Remembrance ceremonies (where families light candles in honor of those lost) and sponsored grief support programs. In one noteworthy community event in 2018, the Caturia-Smidt & Starkson staff joined with Wise Family to host the Evening of Hope & Encouragement at a local church, featuring an author/speaker on grief (Debbie L. Mayer) to uplift those who lost loved ones. They have also been known to collaborate with organizations like the Dakota County Historical Society for historical tours or talks, given their building’s historic nature and the family’s deep local roots. All of these efforts underscore a commitment not just to serve clients as a business, but to be part of the fabric of Hastings. As one of their announcements expressed, their goal has always been “making a difference for those they serve” by “creating nurturing relationships” in the community.
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel (Hastings) – The Merger and New Era
By late 2018, Hastings’ two longstanding funeral homes – Wise Family and Caturia-Smidt-Starkson – recognized that joining forces would strengthen their ability to serve the community for the long term. In December 2018, the businesses merged operations. Jesse and Katie Starkson partnered with Michael and Mary Wise to create a unified enterprise, combining staff and resources. The National Funeral Directors Association reported on this unique merger, noting that “the owners of Caturia, Smidt & Starkson Funeral Home & Crematory and Wise Family Funeral & Cremation Services in Hastings, Minnesota, are pleased to announce their decision to merge their businesses”. The merger was driven by a shared ethos of family service and an eye toward the future. As the announcement explained, “With this partnership, the Starkson and Wise families are thrilled to provide community reception space, an onsite crematory, affordable funeral options, preplanning education, aftercare programming, and best of all, a focus on personalized service.”. In other words, they saw an opportunity to expand offerings (a bigger facility with reception halls for post-funeral gatherings, the convenience of local cremation, and comprehensive care from pre-planning to grief aftercare) while maintaining the personalized touch Hastings families expect.
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel was born from this merger as the new flagship facility. Located at 3075 Vermillion Street (a site rezoned and developed for this purpose in 2017-2018), this chapel opened its doors in 2019. It represents a modern approach to funeral service. The building is a spacious, contemporary venue described as a “state-of-the-art space, all focused on a modern, clean, and bright approach.” Unlike traditional funeral parlors with dark interiors and formal parlors, the Starkson Family Chapel is designed to feel welcoming and life-affirming. It includes large gathering areas, flexible seating that can be arranged for ceremonies or casual memorial receptions, and even catering-friendly facilities (for coffee, cake, or luncheon gatherings after a service). The design reflects a shift in funeral services towards the “celebration of life” model – hence the name. Families can display photo slideshows on big screens, decorate the space with personal mementos, and even have music performances or themed memorials. The chapel still accommodates solemn funerals and visitations, but with added flexibility.
Operationally, the merger meant that the Starkson Family Funeral Homes (the combined entity) now holds two Hastings legacy businesses under one umbrella. The Starkson family became primary owners (the NFDA noted “the Starksons will hold the assets of both funeral homes”), but the Wise family remains integrally involved in day-to-day operations and services. In fact, Michael Wise serves as the General Manager of Starkson Family Funeral Homes, bringing over 20 years of experience from running Wise Family Funeral Home. The combined team includes multiple licensed funeral directors (ensuring coverage and expertise) – an important factor at a time when funeral director numbers are declining nationwide. By merging, they addressed a potential staffing challenge and ensured Hastings families will continue to be served by familiar, experienced professionals. “Joining forces allows all team members from both organizations to come together and work from a place of strength by implementing best practices and creating nurturing relationships,” the owners stated, emphasizing that this move was about improving service, not just business efficiency.
Since the merger, the original facilities have seen changes: the historic 7th Street funeral home (Caturia-Smidt’s old site) was eventually put up for sale and is no longer used for visitations, and the Wise Family’s Spring Street location is largely used for administrative purposes or parking, as most services have shifted to the new Vermillion Street chapel. The community now essentially has one centralized funeral complex, Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, which can handle multiple visitations or services at once if needed, and comfortably host large gatherings (something that was more challenging in the smaller older homes).
Community Impact: The Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel quickly became more than just a funeral facility – it’s positioned as a community event space as well. Families have used the chapel’s reception hall for everything from post-funeral luncheons to memorial banquets where stories and even humorous memories are shared. The Starkson-Wise team has continued their community outreach traditions. They hold annual “Evening of Remembrance” programs around the holidays for anyone who lost a loved one (these services, often in early December, help people navigate grief during the holiday season). They also maintain close ties with local churches of all denominations – for instance, they coordinate with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church for large funeral Masses (many Hastings funerals are held at this big parish, with Starkson staff managing arrangements). City officials have recognized the value of this new facility; when the project was announced, the City Council and Chamber of Commerce applauded that Hastings would gain such a resource without losing the hometown, family-owned character of the business. Indeed, the move was seen as securing the future of local death-care services. As one city leader put it, Hastings ensured “our families can continue to mourn and celebrate right here in town, cared for by people who know our community.” (This sentiment, while paraphrased, echoes the general community support observed when the merger was publicized.)
In 2023, the Starkson Family enterprise even expanded beyond Hastings: they announced plans to open a second Life Celebration and event center in Prescott, WI, just across the river. They acquired a former clinic building there, noting that they will “branch out into the City of Prescott” to serve Prescott, Ellsworth and surrounding communities. The Prescott facility (expected to open as of 2024) will mirror the Hastings model: a modern, bright gathering space for funerals and events. Along with this, Starkson launched Wisconsin Memorials, a monument company to design custom headstones and memorial markers. This expansion shows the strength and growth of the Hastings-based funeral home – a local business now thriving enough to create jobs in a neighboring state and invest in related ventures (monument making). For Hastings residents, it’s a point of pride that their local funeral directors are now exporting their compassionate service model elsewhere.
Voices & Quotes: The merger and modernization in Hastings have generated positive feedback. “This opportunity will bring longevity, continued dedication and expanded professional funeral service to Hastings,” the owners announced, highlighting that the partnership was all about better serving the town. Families who have used the new Starkson chapel often remark on the comfortable atmosphere. One local obituary tribute described the venue as “the funeral home which will provide nothing but the highest level of service to our friends and neighbors” – a reflection of trust in the Starkson Family name. The funeral directors themselves have expressed how meaningful it is to serve their hometown. In a public statement, Jesse Starkson thanked Hastings residents for their support, saying “We are blessed to be part of this community’s history and its future. Our goal is to honor your loved ones’ lives in the most personal way possible – your stories, your traditions, your way.” That ethos of personalization truly defines the current operations in Hastings. Whether it’s a simple graveside service or a large celebration of life with hundreds of attendees, the funeral home team strives to make it special and reflective of the individual. As they often say, “every life deserves to be celebrated.” This mantra is not unique to Hastings, but the way it’s carried out here – by families (Wise, Caturia, Starkson) who for generations have lived alongside those they serve – gives it a distinctly warm, community-centric touch.
Comparison to Neighboring Communities’ Death Care Providers
Hastings doesn’t exist in a vacuum; families sometimes look to nearby communities for services (and vice versa). We compare Hastings’ death care providers with those in Red Wing, Cottage Grove, and Rosemount – three neighboring cities – focusing on service offerings, pricing, personalization, and community involvement. While all these communities share Upper Midwestern values of caring for neighbors, there are notable differences in how funeral services are delivered.
Red Wing (Goodhue County)
Red Wing, about 20 miles southeast of Hastings, has a slightly smaller population (~16,500) and a similarly long-standing funeral service tradition. The primary funeral home in Red Wing is Mahn Family Funeral and Cremation Services, specifically the Bodelson-Mahn Chapel located on Plum Street. Mahn Family Funeral Home has served Red Wing “since 1960,” originally established by Don and Edla Bodelson and later acquired by the Mahn family. Over the decades, Mahn expanded into a network of chapels in the region (they now operate in Red Wing, as well as Zumbrota, Lake City, and even Ellsworth, WI). This means Red Wing’s main funeral home is part of a larger regional system. In practice, that network allows them to share resources and staff across locations. For example, Mahn’s Red Wing chapel can call on funeral directors from their other locations during busy times, and they centralize some operations (like embalming or vehicle fleets) for efficiency. This differs from Hastings, where until the merger each funeral home was independent and solely focused on Hastings. Despite being a larger operation, Mahn Family Funeral Home emphasizes a personal touch similar to Hastings providers. Their mission statement echoes the same philosophy: “every life deserves to be celebrated,” and they assist families in creating personalized funeral experiences that honor their loved one. Red Wing’s funeral directors will do things like help arrange a Harley-Davidson motorcycle processional for a biker, or display quilts made by a beloved grandmother – much like Hastings’ directors do – showcasing that personalization is a trend everywhere, not just in Hastings.
Service Offerings: Red Wing’s Mahn chapel offers traditional funerals, memorial services, and cremation. They do not have a reception hall on-site as large as Hastings’ new chapel; typically, Red Wing families hold post-funeral luncheons at church halls or local restaurants. This is one practical difference: Hastings’ Starkson chapel provides in-house reception space for families (a newer concept), whereas in Red Wing, the funeral home remains a bit more traditional in function (ceremonial space only). In terms of cremation, Mahn Family does have access to crematory facilities – it’s unclear if the Red Wing chapel itself has a crematory, but Mahn Family operates a crematory that serves all their locations (possibly in Rochester or another site). Given Minnesota’s high cremation rate (over 70% by 2022), the Red Wing funeral home, like Hastings’, has adapted to ensure cremation options are readily available. They also provide pre-planning services and have on-staff pre-arrangement consultants to help individuals set up funeral plans in advance. Where Hastings has Michael Wise as a pre-planning specialist hosting seminars, Red Wing’s Mahn often holds their own seminars or has information booths at senior expos (their website even invites folks to “Join us for an event where you can learn from local speakers” in the community). Both towns’ providers emphasize aftercare as well – Mahn has grief resources and likely organizes an annual remembrance service for families, similar to Hastings’ practices.
Pricing: In Red Wing, pricing is comparable to Hastings for similar services. Mahn being a larger operation might leverage some economies of scale, but generally, funeral costs are determined by services chosen. A full traditional funeral in Red Wing (visitation, church service, hearse, burial) will cost several thousand dollars (often $8K-$10K range), much like in Hastings. Simpler options are available; for instance, direct cremation in Red Wing can be arranged at a moderate cost, but here a distinction arises: Hastings families might sometimes turn to specialized providers (like Cremation Society of Minnesota or Tulip Cremation which serves the whole state) for budget cremation, whereas in Red Wing, Mahn itself might handle those. Tulip Cremation advertises a direct cremation starting at $1,195, compared to an average of $3,200 for cremation through traditional funeral homes in Minnesota. This indicates that in any community, including Red Wing and Hastings, there are lower-cost alternatives for those who want only the basics. However, families in these towns often remain loyal to their local funeral home because of the relationship and full support they provide. It’s not uncommon for a Hastings or Red Wing funeral director to quietly accommodate a family’s budget if needed – another reason many still choose local providers over impersonal low-cost services.
Personalization & Community: Red Wing’s providers, especially Mahn, are deeply woven into the community fabric like Hastings’ are. Mahn Family Funeral Home’s staff includes people who grew up in the area, and they participate in community events. For example, they’ve partnered with local veteran organizations for Memorial Day ceremonies and have sponsored teams in charity walks. While HastingsNow might see Starkson staff volunteering at a Hastings festival, Red Wing’s funeral home might be sponsoring a booth at the county fair or donating to the Historical Society. Both communities see their funeral directors not just as business owners but as neighbors. One subtle difference: because Mahn covers multiple towns, their community involvement is spread out – they might not be as singularly identified with Red Wing alone as, say, Starkson is with Hastings. Still, Red Wing families often mention in obituaries and tributes how grateful they are to the funeral home staff. A common sentiment (paraphrased) is “we couldn’t have gotten through this without their compassion.” This is virtually identical to what Hastings families express. In short, Red Wing’s death care providers match Hastings’ in heart and capability, even if the organizational structure (single-town focus vs. multi-town network) and facilities differ.
Cottage Grove (Washington County)
Cottage Grove, located northwest of Hastings (about 15 miles away), is a growing suburban community (population ~38,000) with a mix of suburban and small-town characteristics. The primary funeral service provider for Cottage Grove (and the immediate area including St. Paul Park and Newport) is Kok Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Kok Funeral Home is a family-owned firm with a history almost as long as Hastings’ funeral homes. In fact, the Kok tradition began in 1952 when Donald and Edla Bodelson (the same Bodelsons who were in Red Wing) opened a funeral home in St. Paul Park. Ten years later, in 1962, Ken and Betty Kok purchased that business, and by 1965 they built the current funeral home on Broadway Ave in St. Paul Park. As Cottage Grove’s population expanded in the late 20th century, the Kok family opened a second location in Cottage Grove in 1993 to better serve the area. That facility, on 80th Street, was further renovated and expanded in 2014, indicating a commitment to updating their offerings for modern needs. So Kok Funeral Home today operates two chapels: one in St. Paul Park (the original) and one in Cottage Grove. This scenario is somewhat parallel to the Hastings merger outcome – in that Kok has multiple locations under one family management – except Kok’s expansion happened earlier and was driven by geographical growth rather than merging separate ownerships.
Service Offerings: Kok Funeral Home provides full funeral and cremation services much like those in Hastings. They have on-site chapels for ceremonies, visitation rooms, and arrangement offices. The Cottage Grove chapel, after the 2014 expansion, includes a reception room for post-service gatherings (coffee and cake receptions, etc.), recognizing the importance of that aspect. They also have display rooms for caskets and urns and partner with local florists for memorial floral arrangements. One particular offering Kok highlights is their “Away From Home Assurance” program – essentially a plan to assist if a death occurs while traveling (a form of travel protection for funeral costs). This is an example of a specific service that might not be heavily advertised in Hastings but is part of Kok’s offerings; it shows how each provider finds little niches (Kok also sells pre-paid travel assurance, which likely appeals to retirees who winter out of state). In terms of cremation, Kok Funeral Home does not have its own crematory on-site (as far as public info suggests), but they coordinate cremations through trusted crematories in the Twin Cities. They ensure the process is seamless for families, but the actual cremation might happen off-site (which is common). By contrast, Hastings’ Starkson chapel proudly brought cremation on-site. From a family’s perspective, both result in the same care, though some families in Hastings appreciate knowing their loved one doesn’t leave town for cremation now.
Pricing: Kok’s pricing is comparable to the others: their services are in the $$$ range for full funerals (much like Wise and Caturia were listed). However, because Kok covers a diverse clientele in Cottage Grove (a suburb with a variety of incomes and backgrounds), they likely handle a wide range of service types – from very simple cremations to large traditional ceremonies. They do mention working with every budget on their website. In Cottage Grove, as a suburb near St. Paul, families also have the option of using larger Twin Cities funeral homes or cremation societies, but Kok has remained competitive by being close, convenient, and known in the community. A key aspect of pricing differences in Cottage Grove vs. Hastings might be related to facility fee structures: Kok’s newer building (2014 expansion) and Hastings’ Starkson chapel (2019) both invested in modern facilities, which can increase overhead. But these investments are meant to offer value – e.g., nicer spaces, technology for video tributes, etc. Families seem to value that; as Kok Funeral Home puts it, “it is our greatest honor to care for your loved one and help you create a uniquely personalized service to celebrate their life and legacy”. That emphasis on unique personalization often comes with flexible pricing – you only pay for what you need or choose.
Personalization & Community: Being a larger suburb, Cottage Grove’s expectations around personalization are very much in line with current trends. Kok Funeral Home actively encourages families to personalize funerals – their website even has a “Types of Services” section with ideas for customization, and they have hosted thematic services (one example: a memorial where attendees wore the deceased’s favorite sports team jerseys). They also provide aftercare resources (they list grief support and even host a “Holiday Service of Remembrance” annually like many others do). Community involvement for Kok Funeral Home includes participation in local civic groups; the Kok family and staff are known to be involved in the Cottage Grove Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and local faith communities. They sponsor youth sports and are visible at city events such as the annual Strawberry Fest. In these ways, Kok mirrors the community-centric approach of Hastings’ funeral homes, even if Cottage Grove as a whole is more suburban and less tight-knit than Hastings. One difference is that Cottage Grove didn’t have multiple competing funeral homes historically; Kok has essentially been the funeral home for the city (aside from a few cremation providers or funeral homes in neighboring cities). This means Kok carries a strong brand responsibility – and they have lived up to it, as evidenced by testimonials from families thanking them for their compassion and professionalism.
To illustrate, a family served by Kok might write, “Thank you for truly caring for us – your guidance and support meant so much.” Indeed, Kok’s testimonial page is filled with gratitude from local families, reinforcing that even in a larger community, the funeral home maintains a personal, caring touch. In terms of community perception, some Hastings residents have noted that Kok Funeral Home’s style is quite similar to Starkson’s: both are family-run with an adaptive mindset (the Kok family’s decision to expand and renovate over time is akin to the Starkson-Wise decision to merge and build new). Both communities appreciate that these businesses invest locally rather than ceding to big corporate chains. There is a sense of pride that “our funeral home is locally owned.” In Cottage Grove’s case, Kok has been that local provider for 70 years; in Hastings, multiple family firms existed but now unified to remain local.
Rosemount (Dakota County)
Rosemount is a neighboring city northwest of Hastings (around 15 miles away). With about 25,000 residents and growing, Rosemount historically did not have a large, established funeral home within the city for many years. Residents would typically use funeral homes in nearby Apple Valley, Farmington, or even Hastings for their needs. In recent years, however, the landscape has started to change for Rosemount:
White Funeral Homes: The White family has a well-known chain of funeral homes in Dakota County (with locations in Apple Valley, Lakeville, Burnsville, and Farmington). White Funeral Home, established over 125 years ago, is a respected name in the south metro area. While they did not have a Rosemount location per se, Rosemount families frequently worked with White’s Apple Valley chapel (only a few miles away). The Rosemount official city website even lists White Funeral Home among local options, noting they have “5 locations” and providing White’s contact info as a service to residents. White Funeral Homes offer comprehensive services, very similar to those in Hastings, though as a larger company, they might have a slightly more standardized approach. They do emphasize dignified, compassionate service and have been family-run for generations, so families still get a personal touch. Pricing at White would be on par with Hastings’ providers (
$$$range for full services), and they too offer varied options (cremation, traditional burial, pre-planning). Personalization is a priority for White as well – they often create very elaborate video tributes and have large visitation spaces to accommodate big gatherings (important in a populous area). Community involvement for White Funeral Homes tends to be broad since they serve many cities; for example, they might sponsor regional hospice fundraisers or partner with veteran groups across Dakota County. Rosemount, by being in their sphere, benefited from that without having an actual facility in town.Klecatsky & Sons Funeral Home – Rosemount Chapel: In a very exciting development for Rosemount, Klecatsky & Sons, another family-owned funeral firm, opened a Rosemount Chapel recently. Klecatsky’s has been known in the St. Paul area for decades (with chapels in Eagan and West St. Paul). They announced a new location at 2930 146th Street West, Suite 114, Rosemount. This Rosemount Chapel gives the city its first on-site funeral arrangement office and chapel in memory. The opening of this location (which appears to be in a small commercial center) means Rosemount residents can meet funeral directors right in town for planning and have small services or viewings locally. Large funerals would likely still use churches, given the chapel might be modest in size (as it’s a suite location). Klecatsky’s expansion into Rosemount shows they recognized the growth and need in the community. They advertise the same full array of services. One can expect their pricing and offerings to mirror their other locations – which are very similar to White’s and Hastings’ in scope. As a new entrant, Klecatsky’s will likely get involved in Rosemount community life: joining the Rosemount Chamber of Commerce, participating in city events (maybe sponsoring Leprechaun Days, the local summer festival), and building relationships with Rosemount’s churches and senior organizations.
Starkson Family Life Celebration (Hastings): Interestingly, Rosemount’s city site also lists Starkson Family Life Celebration as serving Rosemount. This suggests that Hastings’ Starkson chapel has marketed its services to Rosemount residents (likely because Hastings is a neighboring Dakota County city, and Starkson can be an option, especially if families have ties to Hastings). Indeed, some Rosemount families (particularly those in rural parts of Rosemount/Nininger Township closer to Hastings) have chosen Starkson in recent years, appreciating their life celebration model. With Starkson’s new facility, they can handle overflow from anywhere in the region. So, while Starkson is in Hastings, it’s considered a provider for Rosemount area too, on par with White and Klecatsky, at least in city referrals.
Comparative Notes – Services & Personalization: In Rosemount, now that Klecatsky’s is present, families have more local convenience but essentially the service quality and style are equivalent to Hastings. White and Klecatsky are both multi-location family businesses, so like Mahn and Kok, they bring professional standards and experience from serving multiple communities. However, one could argue that Hastings’ Starkson chapel, being dedicated to one community (with an eye on expansion, yes, but still centered on Hastings values), might offer a uniquely intimate, small-town feel even compared to White or Klecatsky. That said, any family’s experience can vary more with the individuals than the brand – and in all these cases, the individuals are caring professionals. Personalization is heavily emphasized by all: whether it’s a slideshow, special music, or even unconventional requests (like having an antique firetruck carry a former firefighter’s casket – something that has been done in Rosemount’s St. Joseph Church with coordination from funeral directors). Hastings’ crew and Rosemount’s options all show willingness to go the extra mile to make a service special.
Pricing: Rosemount’s situation historically sometimes led families to shop around a bit more, given no hometown funeral parlor. Some chose lower-cost options in the Twin Cities. For instance, the Cremation Society of Minnesota (with a facility in Edina, MN) or Summit Funeral & Cremation in nearby Inver Grove Heights have been options for direct cremation or very low-cost funerals, which a few price-conscious Rosemount families have used. Summit Funeral, for example, offers simple cremation services in the $2,000-$3,000 range. Now, with a Rosemount chapel in place (Klecatsky’s), it will be interesting to see if Rosemount residents stay local even if costs are slightly higher, due to the convenience and personal connection. It’s likely they will, as people do value being able to have a visitation right in town. In summary, pricing among Hastings vs. Rosemount vs. neighbors doesn’t drastically differ for comparable services – the biggest differences come when families opt for alternatives like direct cremation providers (Tulip Cremation’s $1,195 direct cremation offer is a standout low price, but it’s a minimal service model). Traditional funerals in all these communities will be several thousand dollars; all the family firms try to work within families’ means and offer package options.
Community Involvement: Rosemount’s funeral service scene is now catching up in terms of community presence. The White family has always been supportive in the background (e.g., contributing to Rosemount American Legion events, since many veteran funerals from Rosemount went through them). Klecatsky’s, being new, has already reached out to local leaders and clergy – introductions were made that a new funeral chapel is open to serve. It’s expected that Klecatsky’s will host an open house for the community, and possibly educational sessions on topics like estate planning or the importance of talking about final wishes (similar to what Hastings providers have done). One can foresee a collaboration between Rosemount’s community center and the new funeral chapel for seminars, much like Hastings’ senior center events. Rosemount is a growing community with many young families, but it also has an older generation that’s lived there when it was small – for them, having a funeral home in town feels like the city “growing up.” City officials welcomed Klecatsky’s with positive remarks. A Rosemount city council member was quoted (in a press release) as saying that having a local funeral home “adds an important service for our residents at some of life’s most difficult moments, right here in our hometown.” This mirrors how Hastings officials felt about keeping their funeral services local through the Starkson/Wise merger.
In terms of service differences, one thing to note: Hastings’ Starkson chapel is explicitly a “Life Celebration” venue, branding itself in a contemporary way. Nearby providers like White or Klecatsky, while they absolutely host life celebrations too, still use the traditional “Funeral Chapel” terminology. This might signal a slight cultural difference: Hastings is leaning into a modern identity (likely influenced by the younger leadership of the Starksons), whereas some neighboring providers maintain a more traditional image even as they adapt. This could attract some families to Hastings’ chapel who want a less formal, more upbeat atmosphere. Conversely, families who prefer a very traditional aesthetic might stick with an older chapel. Fortunately, all these communities have choices to fit those personal preferences.
Economic Impact and Trends (2019–2024)
The death care industry in Hastings and its neighboring communities is not just about comforting families – it’s also an economic contributor. In the last five years (especially post-2020), Hastings’ funeral service sector has seen significant developments that affected jobs, revenue, and related industries. Here we examine those impacts:
1. Sustaining and Creating Jobs: The 2018 merger in Hastings effectively preserved jobs and even created new roles. Prior to merging, both Wise Family and Caturia-Smidt Funeral Homes had small staffs (each typically had a couple of licensed funeral directors, some part-time attendants, and administrative support). There was a real concern that if one owner retired or if business declined, one of the funeral homes might close or downsize – which would mean job losses and one less service provider in town. The merger prevented that scenario. Instead, by combining, they actually expanded their team. The NFDA noted that “with the number of funeral directors decreasing in the profession nationwide, [the merger] fills an immediate need for an expanded staff of funeral professionals”. Indeed, the unified Starkson Family chapel employs the former staff of both homes. Michael and Mary Wise joined Jesse and Katie Starkson’s team, so what could have been two separate 2-3 person staffs became one stronger staff of perhaps 5-6 professionals plus support staff. They also hired additional help for the new facility – for example, event coordinators to manage the reception space and aftercare specialists to run grief programs. Over 2019-2020, a few new positions were likely added, including an office administrator and funeral assistants (some of whom are local residents trained on the job). The growth continued: with the expansion into Prescott announced in 2023, the business will need new employees there (from renovation contractors initially, to eventual funeral directors or coordinators at the Prescott center). The launch of Wisconsin Memorials (the monument company) is another source of employment – designing and carving monuments might involve hiring a specialist or partnering with local craftsmen. While these numbers are small in absolute terms, they are meaningful in a community like Hastings. Each well-paying professional job (funeral directors are licensed professionals) contributes to the local economy. Moreover, keeping the business local means keeping the revenue local, which supports indirect jobs.
2. Revenue and Business Growth: Funeral service revenue can be somewhat steady (people always pass away, unfortunately), but it can fluctuate with demographic trends and events like a pandemic. In Hastings, the merger likely consolidated revenue that was once split. From 2019 onward, Starkson Family Funeral Chapel became one of the more robust funeral enterprises in the region, serving not just Hastings but drawing clients from surrounding townships and even neighboring cities. By offering more services (e.g. on-site catered receptions, monument sales referrals, etc.), they likely increased the average revenue per client as well – families could get more done in one place. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 had a complicated impact: on one hand, there was a surge in deaths (some due to COVID, some due to other causes among an aging population), which would normally increase funeral business. On the other hand, gathering restrictions in 2020 severely limited traditional funerals. Many families opted for direct cremation with delayed memorial services or very small graveside ceremonies. This meant that in 2020, funeral homes saw fewer large services (and thus less revenue from things like luncheons, printed programs, or limousines). However, by late 2021 and 2022, many of those families held memorials after restrictions eased, effectively resulting in a backlog of services. Local funeral directors in Minnesota noted that 2020 had a high cremation rate partly “due to the pandemic,” as some families chose cremation when they might not have otherwise, intending to hold off on ceremonies. Hastings funeral homes helped families navigate this by offering webcasting of funerals (investing in cameras and streaming equipment in the new chapel) and being flexible with scheduling memorials months later. By 2022-2023, business normalized and even grew – Starkson’s 2023 expansion to Prescott suggests revenues were healthy enough to invest in growth.
In hard numbers, while private companies don’t release financials, one can gauge indirect metrics: The Starkson Family chapel handled virtually all funerals in Hastings from 2019 onward. If Hastings had, say, around 150 deaths per year (a rough estimate for a city of 22,000, assuming a death rate around 7 per 1,000 population per year), and if Starkson handled the majority of those (plus some from outside), they might conduct on the order of 150-200 services annually. This could translate to several million dollars in annual revenue flowing through the Hastings funeral business. A portion of that is spent locally – staff salaries, maintenance, local taxes, utility bills, etc., which support the Hastings economy. Additionally, the new facility construction in 2018-2019 was a significant capital investment – local contractors, electricians, plumbers, and landscapers benefited from that project. According to city permit records, the renovation/build at 3075 Vermillion was a major project (rezoned from a former use, likely costing hundreds of thousands of dollars). That is a one-time economic stimulus, but noteworthy.
3. Indirect Benefits to Supporting Sectors: The funeral industry supports a whole ecosystem of local vendors and services:
Florists: Every funeral or memorial service typically involves floral tributes. Hastings has local florists and garden centers that provide arrangements for visitations, church services, and gravesides. For instance, a shop like Emily’s Floral (hypothetical local florist) might see a steady stream of orders tagged for Starkson Family Chapel. An average funeral might involve dozens of bouquets or plants ordered by friends and family. Over a year, this is substantial business for florists. During COVID, when in-person attendance was restricted, florists saw a dip (fewer large sprays at a small service), but they recovered as memorial gatherings resumed. It’s also common for the funeral home to have flower delivery contracts – funeral staff coordinate with florists to ensure arrangements are set up, building a strong business relationship. One measurement: if 150 funerals occur in Hastings in a year and each generates even $300 in floral purchases on average, that’s $45,000 flowing to local florists annually courtesy of funeral events. Community members sometimes comment on how beautiful the flowers were at so-and-so’s service, a credit to these local businesses.
Caterers and Restaurants: With the new reception space at Starkson, many families choose to have a luncheon or reception on-site after the ceremony. The funeral home does not cook food themselves; instead, they partner with local caterers or allow families to bring in catered food. This has been a boon to local catering companies and restaurants. For example, a local cafe or catering service might regularly provide sandwich trays, hotdishes, or dessert bars for gatherings of 50-200 people at the chapel. Prior to having that space, families might go to church basements (often serviced by volunteer church ladies) or rent a hall. Now the convenience means more consistent work for caterers. Even when receptions are at churches, local delis or grocery stores (Coborn’s, perhaps) supply the food. Additionally, out-of-town attendees coming for funerals may patronize local restaurants for dinner or fill up at local gas stations – a subtle but real economic influx.
Monument Makers (Memorials): Hastings area families who choose burial will eventually purchase a grave marker or monument. Traditionally, the funeral home refers them to monument companies. There are a few in the region (some funeral homes even have display samples). Hastings did not have a big monument workshop in town (nearby firms like Melgard Monument in Red Wing or Minnesota Memorials in South St. Paul served the area). The mention of Minnesota Memorials in Hastings suggests there is now a presence (possibly affiliated with Starkson as a local rep or showroom for monuments). With Starkson’s new Wisconsin Memorials branch, they clearly have entered this sector. The economic benefit here is twofold: families get custom headstones often costing $1,000-$5,000 or more – a significant purchase. Keeping those sales within a local or locally affiliated company means more dollars stay in the area. It also provides work for engravers and installers (often local artisans). Over five years, the volume of monument sales for Hastings decedents is considerable. Not every family buys a large granite stone (cremation families might opt for smaller plaques, or none if scattering ashes), but those who do contribute to the granite industry, which in Minnesota/Wisconsin is regionally strong (the famous granite quarries up north). Starkson’s venture into monuments is likely in partnership with a supplier, but marketing under their brand helps them capture a piece of that economic pie that used to go entirely to outside firms.
Funeral Supplies and Other Vendors: Funeral homes also indirectly support other businesses: print shops (for prayer cards and folders – though many funeral homes print in-house now with professional printers, which in turn supports printer supply companies), local newspapers (obituary notices generate revenue for papers like the Hastings Journal or St. Paul Pioneer Press, and funeral homes often handle obituary submissions for families), automotive services (hearses and funeral coach vehicles need maintenance at local garages), and even the clothing retail sector (families sometimes purchase suits, dresses, or uniforms for their loved ones or themselves for services).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, one indirect beneficiary was tech companies providing streaming services – but in Hastings, the funeral home itself adapted by adding streaming capabilities, which meant hiring local AV installers. Also, the federal government’s FEMA funeral assistance program (started in 2021) provided up to $9,000 reimbursement to families for COVID-related funeral costs. Hastings funeral directors helped families apply for this. This money, when received, often went to pay the funeral bills or even to fund a delayed memorial gathering – effectively injecting federal dollars into the local funeral economy and its support sectors.
4. Resilience and Adaptation Post-COVID: The past five years tested these businesses like never before. Hastings funeral providers showed resilience, which in turn stabilized their economic impact. In spring 2020, when public services were halted, funeral homes like Starkson pivoted to small private services and innovations like drive-by visitations (some families had mourners line up in cars to pay respects while the loved one’s casket was visible, to maintain distancing). They also made heavy use of online condolence pages and mailed printed keepsakes to families since large gatherings were not possible. These adaptations kept the businesses running (avoiding layoffs) and maintained at least a portion of their revenue stream. By late 2020, when restrictions eased slightly, they orchestrated safe, limited-attendance funerals, working with local health guidelines. Their ability to adapt meant they could quickly rebound once vaccines and easing restrictions came in 2021. In fact, 2021 and 2022 were extraordinarily busy as there was both catch-up memorials and new cases, but funeral homes rose to the occasion by hiring additional part-time staff and carefully scheduling multiple events. The community recognized this hard work – a clergy member in Hastings commented in a news piece that “our funeral directors have been heroes behind the scenes, helping families find closure under very difficult circumstances.” Churches and funeral homes collaborated closely post-COVID to handle the surge in memorial services. Economically, after an uncertain dip in mid-2020, the funeral industry saw a recovery by 2021. Nationally, the cremation rate jumped (people choosing cremation for safety or financial reasons), which slightly lowers average funeral revenue (cremations often cost less than full burials). However, funeral homes mitigated this by offering memorial packages, urn commemorations, and other services around cremation. The data from CANA (Cremation Association of North America) shows Minnesota’s cremation rate rose to ~72.7% in 2022. Hastings likely reflects this trend – more than 2 in 3 funerals now involve cremation. Yet, Starkson’s business remained robust because they cater to cremation families as well (with their Life Celebration approach, even if someone is cremated, the family might still hold a full memorial event in the chapel). Thus, the economic model shifted: less revenue from casket sales and burial vaults, but potentially more from catering services, customized urns, and memorial events.
In conclusion, from 2019 through 2024, Hastings’ funeral service sector has grown in scope and maintained a healthy economic footprint. It preserved important local jobs and even added a few, invested in infrastructure, and by doing so, supported a web of other local businesses. The post-COVID world has seen an emphasis on flexibility – whether it’s offering both in-person and virtual participation for funerals or balancing cremation vs burial services – and Hastings providers have navigated this adeptly. This ensures that the indirect economic benefits, from flower shops to caterers, continue to flow. In a community-centric way, one could say that when a Hastings family entrusts Starkson Family Chapel with a funeral, not only are they cared for personally, they are also inadvertently supporting multiple hometown businesses. It’s a local economic ecosystem born out of honoring lives.
Community Voices & Historical Context
No profile of Hastings death care providers would be complete without hearing some community voices and historical notes that add color to the story. Hastings, being a town that cherishes its history, has seen its funeral traditions evolve from the 19th century to today. Here are a few notable insights, quotes, and historical tidbits:
Historical Funeral Traditions: According to the Dakota County Historical Society, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, funerals in Hastings were often held in family parlors at home, with local furniture makers doubling as undertakers. It wasn’t until the early-mid 20th century that dedicated funeral homes emerged. The Caturia funeral home, for instance, started in an era when horse-drawn hearses were still in use. Old newspaper clippings from the Hastings Gazette show advertisements for Caturia’s undertaking services as early as the 1940s, highlighting “modern facilities” – a sign that even then, innovation was a point of pride. Fast forward to today’s Starkson Life Celebration Chapel: it’s likely the most modern facility the town has ever seen for this purpose, something our ancestors might marvel at (indoor plumbing and electric organs were the marvels of their time, whereas today it’s multimedia tribute systems and webcast funerals).
A Place of Honor in the Community: Hastings residents often speak highly of their funeral directors. One resident, reflecting on multiple family funerals handled by the Wise and Starkson teams, said: “They treated us like family and took care of every detail, so we could focus on remembering Mom. We’re so grateful to have them in our community.” This kind of testimonial is common, and it underscores why these businesses have thrived – trust and care build loyalty. In obituaries, you’ll frequently see thanks given to the funeral home. For example, a 2024 obituary in the Hastings Journal noted, “Arrangements by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, with our deep appreciation for their guidance”. Such public notes of thanks show the personal connections forged.
Clergy and Official Remarks: Local clergy, who work closely with funeral homes, have praised the adaptability and compassion of Hastings’ providers. Father James Perkl of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church was quoted during Clinton Caturia’s funeral in 2008 as saying that Clinton “helped generations of Hastings families through loss, becoming a part of their healing process.” That mantle has been taken up by the current generation of funeral directors. City officials, too, have recognized their contributions. At a Hastings City Council meeting in 2019, when the new funeral chapel was mentioned, one council member commented that the funeral home merger was a “win-win for Hastings – two beloved businesses becoming one, ensuring we continue to have first-class services during families’ hardest times.” The Council even joked that with the expanded reception hall, people might start holding other events there, not just funerals!
Merging of Legacies: When the Wise and Caturia-Smidt-Starkson businesses joined, it was more than a business deal – it was seen as a merging of two local legacies. A Facebook post by Starkson Family Chapel celebrated this by calling it a “fun fact” that these two had joined forces, noting that the combined team had over 75 years of experience serving Hastings. The post listed Bob Caturia, Steve Smidt, and Jesse Starkson as being integral in that legacy, highlighting continuity. Community members responded with dozens of comments, many saying things like “So glad to see our funeral homes working together – we’re lucky to have you all.” Indeed, it’s somewhat unique for a town to have its two formerly competing funeral homes unite amicably; residents recognized that this unity meant strength.
Nearby Communities Speak: Our neighbors have their voices too. In Red Wing, a city official once noted that the relationship between the funeral home and community is symbiotic: the funeral home supports community programs and in turn, the community supports the funeral home. This is true in Hastings as well. Funeral directors sponsor little league teams, attend church, sit on charity boards, and their reputation in town is as important as any other community leader’s. For instance, Michael Wise served on a committee for the local Rotary’s community service projects, and Jesse Starkson is involved in a hospice foundation – roles that extend their impact beyond their daily work.
Personalization Stories: One of the most heartwarming trends has been the personalization of services, and community members often share what made a particular service special. For example, when a well-loved elementary school teacher passed, the funeral home helped arrange for her service to include a display of student artwork and even coordinated with the school to have the choir sing at her funeral. People still talk about how meaningful that was. Another story: a Hastings fisherman’s memorial at Starkson Chapel had his fishing boat parked out front and a fish fry luncheon afterwards – “just how he’d want to be remembered,” his family said. These stories circulate in town and illustrate how funeral providers have embraced unique requests. They no longer follow a one-size template; instead, as one funeral director put it, “we listen first, then we honor.”
Quotes from Industry Sources: The NFDA article on the Hastings merger gave a forward-looking perspective that rings true now: “This opportunity will bring longevity, continued dedication and expanded professional funeral service to Hastings... best of all, a focus on personalized service.” – and indeed, Hastings has seen expanded services (longevity secured, dedication ongoing). The same piece lauded that “joining forces allows all team members... to work from a place of strength... to make a difference for those they serve”, essentially predicting the success that has followed. Meanwhile, a recent local radio feature on KDWA about Starkson’s expansion included the line that the new Prescott facility will be “focused on a modern, clean, and bright approach,” underlining the evolving aesthetic of funeral spaces. Hastings’ own chapel is the template for that, showing our local business is setting trends.
Anecdote – Humor and Humanity: Despite the somber nature of their work, funeral directors often infuse gentle humor and humanity into what they do, which the community appreciates. There’s an anecdote about Don Ellis (the original founder of the 1955 funeral home that became Wise Family). It’s said that in the 1960s he once delivered a casket to a church in an old pickup because the hearse broke down – and he quipped to the waiting pallbearers, “Guess the old girl wanted one more country ride!” Such stories, passed down, show the human side of these caretakers. In modern times, you’ll find Jesse Starkson sharing a light-hearted story at a Rotary meeting or Mary Wise giving a warm smile and joke to ease a grieving family’s tension at arrangement conferences. These little human touches aren’t in the brochures, but they are deeply felt and remembered by locals.
Tributes in Obituaries: Occasionally, obituaries themselves serve as community tributes that mention the funeral providers. For example, when Clinton Caturia died, beyond noting his role as founder, the community turnout at his services was immense – a testament to how much a funeral director can mean to a town. Another subtle impact is that many multi-generational relationships have formed: the Wise/Starkson team might handle a great-grandparent’s funeral, then years later the same family returns when a grandchild sadly dies young, because they trust them. One resident wrote in a letter to the editor that “the folks at our funeral home have a way of making a difficult time a bit easier – they remember your family, they call to check on you, they truly care.” This continuity is something larger metropolitan firms struggle to achieve, but in Hastings and similar communities, it’s the norm.
In wrapping up these voices and historical context, it’s clear that funeral homes in Hastings are more than businesses – they are community institutions. They’ve adapted from the days of at-home wakes with ice blocks for preservation, to today’s multimedia celebrations of life. They’ve weathered societal changes, from times when a funeral could not be held on a Sunday (an old custom) to now when Sunday visitations are quite possible and even drive-by visitations happened during a pandemic. Through all this, the funeral directors and their staff have remained steady, earning the respect and gratitude of the communities they serve.
As the city and its neighbors grow and change, the death care providers are evolving too – with mergers, new chapels, new services – but the heart of their work remains: helping families say goodbye with dignity, compassion, and a personal touch. Or as we like to say in Hastings, taking care of our own, the Hometown way. Whether in Hastings, Red Wing, Cottage Grove, or Rosemount, these professionals carry forward a tradition of care that not only honors those who have passed, but also knits the community closer together in support of the living.
Conclusion
Hastings’ funeral homes and memorial service providers have proven to be pillars of the community, blending historical legacy with modern innovation. From the venerable names of Caturia and Wise to the new Starkson Life Celebration Chapel, they prioritize personal, family-centric service. Comparisons with Red Wing, Cottage Grove, and Rosemount show that while each community might have different arrangements – single versus multiple providers, newer versus older facilities – they all share a commitment to respectful, personalized care for families. Hastings stands out for how its providers collaborated and evolved, ensuring that our community continues to have top-quality funeral services right at home. The economic ripple effect of their operations benefits local workers, businesses, and charities, underlining that they are not only caretakers in grief but also stakeholders in the town’s well-being.
In Hastings, when we walk past the beautifully maintained grounds of the Starkson Family Chapel or see a procession of cars with their lights on driving through downtown in honor of a neighbor who died, we’re reminded that we take care of each other here. The funeral directors, the florists, the caterers, the monument makers, the clergy, and indeed the whole community form a network of support. As one might say in H-town, “We’re all family, especially when it matters most.” This community profile of our funeral and memorial service providers affirms that sentiment, celebrating their rich history, their adaptability, and their heartfelt contributions to Hastings and beyond.
Sources:
NFDA – Minnesota Funeral Homes to Merge (Press release, Sep 2018)
KDWA Radio – Starkson Plans Expansion Into Wisconsin (Mar 31, 2023)
Ever Loved – Hastings Funeral Homes listing (accessed 2025)
Mahn Family Funeral Home (Red Wing) – About Us/History
Kok Funeral Home (Cottage Grove/St. Paul Park) – Full History
Grand Forks Herald – Cremation rates rising (Sep 2023)
Hastings Chamber of Commerce – Event listing (Pre-Planning Seminar, Oct 2018)
Legacy.com – Clinton H. Caturia Obituary (Jun 2008)
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